Research Gist
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examining a high-concentration full-spectrum ashwagandha root extract in adults experiencing chronic stress. Participants took the extract or placebo over 60 days. At the end of the study period, the ashwagandha group showed significantly lower scores on standardized stress assessment scales compared with placebo. Serum cortisol, a hormone that rises during sustained stress, was also significantly reduced. Safety assessments during the trial reported no serious adverse effects. This is one of the most widely cited human trials on the KSM-66 extract.
Key Learnings
- Perceived stress scores were significantly lower in the ashwagandha group versus placebo.
- Serum cortisol levels showed a significant reduction over the 60-day period.
- The study design was randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled — the strongest available format.
- No serious adverse effects were reported during the trial period.
- Stress is a recognised non-motor dimension of neurological wellness, though this trial did not study Parkinson's specifically.